. >> reporter: the national consumer law center says thousands of homeowners all over the u.s. are threatened with foreclosure every year because of unpaid utility bills and taxes. in rhode island, a $474 sewer bill cost one woman her home. the company that took possession later sold it for $85,000. back in baltimore, vicky valentine lost her house over a partially paid water bill. you'd been in this home for 33 years? >> yes. >> reporter: and now all of a sudden, you're out on the street. >> yes, and that's not a fun place to be. >> reporter: lien logic makes $100 million a year, profiting from its lien business. we tracked down one of the company's co-founders. you're taking homes from people for small unpaid water bills. >> like i said, i decline the interview. >> reporter: and in the end -- >> thanks for your time. >> reporter: you have nothing to say to the people that lose their homes to you? many cities like houston will just shut your water off if you don't pay but they would never give anyone the right to take your home. but david, it is different everywhere. if you ha